The gift is conditional, however: "That if myself or Edwards [sic] mother my wife should in the events of life consider that either of us should stand in need of said negroes--then either of our own judgements [sic] shall rule and take the said...

The deed specifically protects the gift from the control of Alpha's husband: "...the said John Thomas Neal, may have the use of the said negroe [sic] girl while he lives, as a husband to his wife and a father to his children, but that is all he...